Tag: BTRA

Where to watch BARC LIVE from Brands Hatch this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club heads to Brands Hatch this weekend (June 5/6) for a blockbuster two days of track action, headlined by the heavyweight behemoths of the British Truck Racing Championship.

In what is set to be a weekend to remember around the Indy layout of the Kent venue, spectators will be in attendance and our cameras will be there to broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

Those that have opted in for TV coverage and will feature on the broadcast over the course of the weekend include the British Truck Racing Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, 2CV Championship, Kumho BMW Championship and Avon Tyres Intermarque Silhouettes.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 11:25 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 11:00 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Make sure you don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

Pembrey confirms British Truck Racing Championship event cancellation

Pembrey Circuit regrets to announce that the two race meetings scheduled for June – the British Truck Racing Championship and the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club – have had to be cancelled as a result of the on-going restrictions imposed by the Welsh Government.

The current regulations place a limit of just 50 people on organised outdoor activities, even those that take place on a 200-acre site such as Pembrey Circuit and which have already been designated as Covid-secure.

The circuit has been working closely with the Local Authority to try to understand what is possible, but despite the assistance of Carmarthenshire County Council, it is clear that there is no sign of movement from the Welsh Government at this point. This left no option but to abandon these two meetings in order to provide people as much notice as possible to alter their plans.

The British Truck Racing Championship is set to race at Pembrey later this year on the weekend of October 9/10 and we very much hope that spectators will be able to attend. More information on this, and the remaining events due to be held in 2021, will be communicated in due course.

We share in the frustrations of our customers and supporters, and very much appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s continued understanding at this challenging time.

British Truck Racing Championship event at Pembrey rescheduled for June

The first round of the British Truck Racing Championship, scheduled to take place at Pembrey Circuit in May, has been pushed back to the later date of June 19/20.

As the Welsh Government has yet to give any indication of when events may be able to restart, this decision has been taken to allow maximum opportunity for the championship to enjoy a full complement of race meetings this year.

However, it is considered highly unlikely that spectators will be allowed to attend, even on this new date. As a result, the decision has reluctantly been taken to postpone the planned truck show, Convoy Cymru, until 2022.

This exciting new truck festival has already gathered huge support this year. The stunt arena, static displays, demonstrations and a truck driving experience will be among the activities that will now have to be enjoyed next year.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive: “This has been a difficult decision to take, but it seems sensible to make the call at this point so that we can reschedule the race meeting for June. We are gutted to have to push Convoy Cymru back to next year after the amazing response it has generated, but the story is the same for all the major events across Wales this year. It will be spectacular next year.”

Alongside the British Truck Racing Championship, the 2CV Parts.com Classic Racing Championship, Kumho BMW Championship and Welsh Sports/Saloon Car Championship are all scheduled to race on the new race date in June.

Customers that have already bought entry tickets for this event will receive a full refund in due course. We appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s understanding at this challenging time.

British Truck Racing Championship ramps up preparations for 2021 season

The British Truck Racing Championship looks set to scale even greater heights next year as preparations continue to ramp up ahead of the 2021 season.

Coming off the back of an unprecedented yet successful campaign which saw Ryan Smith and Steven Powell crowned champions in Division 1 and 2 respectively, exciting plans for the forthcoming year are taking place.

As has already been announced, the British Automobile Racing Club and Truck Sport UK will work together to run and promote the series for 2021 with the aim of creating and growing what is already an exciting championship for competitors and spectators alike.

Having only staged three race meetings in 2020, the calendar returns to its traditional format of eight events. One of the standout weekends on the schedule will be the inclusion of an international round once again at Zolder in Belgium on September 11/12 as part of a truck racing festival alongside a host of other European championships.

Undoubtedly one of the big successes of 2020 was the running of one single field of 20 trucks, which made for a stunning spectacle and led to some great racing. With a bumper grid of 20 trucks expected to compete over the course of the season once again, the BTRC Trophy will be introduced to ensure that restrictions aren’t placed on allowing new people to join the championship.

The BTRC Trophy will provide an additional grid at three of the main events in the course of the season: the two new Convoy events at Pembrey and Thruxton, as well as the season finale at Brands Hatch in November. The Trophy will be aimed at competitors who may not want to commit to the entire season and to new drivers who might want to get a taste for the sport.

Finally, as in 2020, all races will feature live streaming TV coverage whilst work is also underway on securing a post-produced TV show as well.

Entries for the 2021 British Truck Racing Championship are now open, with the entry form being found here.

2020 Season Review: BTRA British Truck Racing Championship

Heavyweight thrills and spills formed the backbone of what was a shortened BTRA British Truck Racing Championship in 2020 as Ryan Smith and Steven Powell reigned supreme to claim championship silverware in Division 1 and Division 2 respectively.

Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, the titans of truck racing served up a feast of unmissable wheel-to-wheel entertainment for the enthusiastic crowds that flocked trackside.

Despite the calendar comprising of just three events – Donington Park, Snetterton and Thruxton – no less than 14 races were staged over the course of the season, each one setting pulses racing.

Division 1 saw the familiar theme of Smith underlining his superlative racecraft by being crowned champion for a fifth consecutive year. Having been the man to beat over the past four seasons, the MAN driver entered the season as the hot favourite and duly delivered another vintage title-winning performance.

Kicking his campaign off with a double win at Donington Park, Smith added another victory at Snetterton before really hitting his stride when the series descended on what would ultimately prove to be the final round of the season at Thruxton.

Former champions David Jenkins and Stuart Oliver, as well as front running protagonists Martin Gibson and John Newell, found themselves in the battle for supremacy as each round passed too, setting up what was set to be a grandstand finish.

Unfortunately, the introduction of a second national lockdown prior to the series finale at Brands Hatch caused the event to be cancelled, subsequently crowning Smith as champion by a handful of points.

In Division 2, Powell paired rapid speed with consistency to wrap up the title. After narrowly missing out on the crown to Luke Garrett during the past two years, the MAN racer made a lightening start as he won four out of five races at the season-opener.

Establishing himself as the lead contender following his virtuoso performance under the flightpath of East Midlands airport, Powell would go on to score a further four wins across the remaining two events to wrap up the title.

Whilst Powell and Garrett went head-to-head for the coveted crown, other notable performers included Craig Reid, John Powell and Craig Evans.

Truck Sport UK agrees multi-year deal with BARC for BTRC commercial rights

Truck Sport Promotions Ltd have agreed a minimum three-year deal with the British Automobile Racing Club to hold the commercial rights to Truck Racing in the UK, which will include the promotion and management of the British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC).

With the aim of creating a professional platform for the heavyweight series, the BARC will continue to hold a new Motorsport UK race championship permit for the British title and together with Truck Sport UK, will plan and organise the BTRC.

Truck Sport UK will also continue to work closely with Road Transport Media Ltd, publishers of Commercial Motor and Truck & Driver, to maximise the media exposure of the championship to relevant audiences within the road transport and logistics sectors, as well as further afield.

In addition to the deal with the BARC, Truck Sport UK will continue to work in partnership with Road Transport Media Ltd to develop further the already established CONVOY branded events, of which there are three being planned for the 2021 season.

To find out more information on the British Truck Racing Championship, head to https://www.barc.net/championship/british-truck-racing-association-championship/

Statement: Cancellation of this weekend’s British Truck meeting at Brands Hatch

This weekend’s concluding round of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship has been cancelled. Although DCMS and Motorsport UK had designated the event as an Elite fixture, detailed discussions have been required with Kent County Council this week following the new lockdown decision.

Given the short timescales now available to competitors, officials and suppliers to make the necessary preparations at this late stage, BARC and MSV have decided to cancel the event in the best interests of the Club and its competitors.

All parties would like to make clear that this decision has no impact on next weekend’s BTCC championship finale at Brands Hatch.

Blockbuster BTRA headlines Thruxton weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club delivered two blockbuster days of thrilling track action at Thruxton this past weekend (October 31/November 1).

Taking centre stage around the fastest circuit in the UK were the heavyweight behemoths of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship – and they certainly made their mark on the Hampshire venue over the course of both days.

Going wheel-to-wheel in challenging conditions, Division 1 saw reigning four-time champion put himself in the box seat to clinch a fifth consecutive title by storming to a sensational hat-trick of race wins. Martin Gibson would prove to be the only driver that could beat Smith, winning the remaining race.

In Division 2, Steven Powell demonstrated similar levels of dominance as he too moved himself to within touching distance of championship silverware as he scored an impressive trio of race wins too. Two-time champion Luke Garrett picked up the other victory behind the wheel of his MAN.

Despite the curtain having fallen on their season at Silverstone last month, the Classic Touring Car Racing Club jumped at the chance to run two non-championship races and they took those in attendance on a spirited trip down memory lane.

Showcasing tin top cars from years gone by, the CTCRC boasted a bumper entry list of desirable machines and it was to BMW E36 M3 of Bryan Bransom that reigned supreme in race one, winning by nearly 30 seconds.

The Ford Lotus Cortina of Bob Bullen then came to the form in the categories second race, taking an emphatic victory.

Back for the second successive weekend at Thruxton, the BARC’s Open Sports/Saloons races initiative proved to be a smash-hit once again as a variety of machines duked it out for overall honours.

Clive Wood would emerge as the benchmark driver in both contests, winning in his Mallock.

Single-seater thrills rounded off the weekend’s track action and they came in the shape of the Monoposto Reprise I.T. Tiedmen Trophy. Bryn Tootell powered his Van Diemen to victory in the opening encounter before Edward Falkingham did the same at the wheel of his Jedi in race two.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Thruxton, click here.

Green light given to November 7/8 BARC race meeting at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to confirm that the green light has been given for this weekend’s (November 7/8) British Truck Championship race meeting at Brands Hatch to take place as originally planned.

Having consulted with the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for guidance, governing body Motorsport UK has confirmed that elite motorsport events will be able to continue over the coming weeks, which includes both this weekend’s British Truck Championship and next week’s British Touring Car Championship finale.

Brands Hatch will therefore host the final rounds of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship on Saturday and Sunday, with three former champions – Ryan Smith, David Jenkins and Stuart Oliver – all in contention for the coveted 2020 Division 1 title.

Truck Titans revved up to headline BARC weekend at Thruxton

The British Automobile Racing Club is gearing up for a second consecutive race meeting at Thruxton this coming weekend (October 31/November 1) and it’s set to be headlined by the heavyweight behemoths of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship.

Originally scheduled to visit the Hampshire venue in June, the championship’s hopes of competing around the fastest track in the UK had looked to be all but over after being cancelled due to national lockdown and subsequent amendments to race calendars.

However, the BTRA’s annual visit to Pembrey Circuit that was scheduled for October 3/4 was cancelled due to the current Welsh Government regulations and rather than cancel the meeting altogether, a change of venue was confirmed to allow the category to stage its penultimate event of the campaign.

Never short of entertainment, a total of five races will play out around the flowing 2.36-mile layout over the course of the weekend and it is all to play for in both Division’s 1 & 2 as the title showdown looms ever-closer.

There is nothing separating Ryan Smith and David Jenkins at the summit of Division 1 as the former champions enter the weekend tied on points. Both will be keen to establish themselves as the sole leader however they will need to be wary of Stuart Oliver who sits a further three points back.

In Division 2, Steven Powell has proven to be the benchmark driver so far and his recent run of form sees him hold a slender ten-point advantage over Craig Reid. With the likes of John Powell and double champion Luke Garrett firmly in the mix as well, all bets are off when it comes to judging who could reign supreme.

Despite bringing the curtain down on their season at Silverstone earlier in the month, the Classic Touring Car Racing Club will make a fleeting appearance during the weekend for a pair of non-championship encounters.

Renowned for producing all-out action, some of the most iconic saloons spanning several decades will hit the track for a memorable trip down memory lane.

The BARC Open Sports/Saloon car races starred less than a week ago and they’re back again for more tin top thrills and spills. Open to competitors who drive open/closed roof Sports & Saloon cars, regardless of what championship or racing club they compete in, providing they meet current Motorsport UK safety regulations, the new initiative has proven to be popular.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action will be two contests from the Tiedman Trophy. Forming part of the Monoposto Racing Club, the single-seater contingent was originally scheduled to race at Pembrey like the BTRA but will now make a rare appearance at the home of the BARC.

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting, including the timetable and entry list, click here.

Tickets for the event are available to purchase online in advance via https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/trucks.

Thruxton to welcome BTRA British Truck Racing Championship on October 31/November 1

Thruxton will welcome the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship after all in 2020 following confirmation that the series will visit the circuit on October 31/November 1.

Originally scheduled to visit the Hampshire venue in June, the championship’s hopes of competing around the fastest track in the UK were all but over after being cancelled due to lockdown.

However, the BTRA’s upcoming annual visit to Pembrey Circuit on October 3/4 has subsequently been cancelled due to the current Welsh Government regulations. 

Rather than cancel the meeting, the BARC has changed the venue and the date, so that the trucks will now head to Thruxton for their penultimate event of the season.

The event will mark the second British Automobile Racing Club race meeting in as many weeks at Thruxton as well, with a host of championship already confirmed to compete on October 24/25.

Subject to government guidelines at the time, it is hoped that spectators will be permitted to attend the meeting, in accordance with social distancing guidelines. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase online from www.thruxtonracing.co.uk.

Ben Taylor, British Automobile Racing Club Chief Executive, said: “It’s a real shame for Pembrey to lose its truck meeting, but the opportunity to move it to Thruxton made it an easy decision and should bring some much-needed revenue into the BARC group at this difficult time.

“We are grateful to everyone involved for making this possible at such short notice and look forward to a great weekend at the end of next month.”

BARC delivers spectacular Snetterton showstopper

Snetterton Circuit played host to a breathtaking two days of British Automobile Racing Club track action this past weekend (September 19/20) as six championships took centre stage in Norfolk.

As the condensed 2020 campaign reaches the business end of the season, every point is proving crucial in deciding who will and won’t be crowned champion, and with the stakes as high as ever it added up to an unmissable feast of entertainment.

Producing heavyweight thrills and spills, the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship made its mark with five tantalising encounters.

In Division 1, ten-time title winner Stuart Oliver powered his Volvo to a brace of wins whilst there were also victories for reigning champion Ryan Smith, Mark Taylor and Tom O’Rourke – who triumphed for the very first time in the series.

There were double wins in Division 2 as well as both Luke Garrett and Craig Reid stood on the top step twice whilst Steven Powell also got in on the action at the wheel of his MAN.

From the five tonne, 1000bhp monsters of the BTRA to the small but bonnet-punching Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres, the hits kept on coming over the course of the weekend at Snetterton.

Six frenetic races had fans on the edge of their seats and it was defending champion Miles Rudman that enjoyed the greatest success as he swept his way to a sensational hat-trick of heat wins. John Mickel scored a double of his own whilst Jack Parker picked up the spoils in the remaining race.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club was in full force

Andy Robinson’s Ford Falcon proved to be the class of the field in the amalgamated Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder Saloons Championship and Burton Power Products Blue Oval Saloon Series races whilst David Griffin did the same in the combined Laser Tools Pre-93 Touring Cars Championship and Simply Serviced Pre-2003 Touring Cars Championship encounters.

Victories meanwhile were shared in the Poultec – Classic Race Engines Pre ’66 Touring Cars and Shell Oil Pre 83′ Touring Car Championship races as David Howard and Mark Lucock each triumphed.

The Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship once again boasted a healthy grid and the racing proved to be as thrilling as ever with Steve Darbey and Steve McDermid emerging as the drivers to beat, each of them taking a victory apiece.

Spoils were also split in the much-loved Sports Prototype Cup as well as James Abbott and Morten Dons stood on the top of the rostrum. There was also a podium finish for gold medal Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who was making his debut in the series.

Rounding off the weekend’s spectacular action were races from the Mini 7 Racing Club.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions, click here.

You can also watch all of the action back online by clicking here.